Foreign teachers in Vietnam must register temporary residence within 12 hours of arriving at a new urban address or 24 hours in remote areas—failure results in fines up to 20,000,000 VND ($885 USD) and work permit suspension.
Moving addresses while teaching in Vietnam requires immediate action to maintain your legal work status. Whether relocating from District 1 to District 3 in Ho Chi Minh City, transferring to a new teaching position in Da Nang, or simply changing apartments, proper temporary residence registration protects your work permit, temporary residence card, and teaching authorization.
This guide provides accurate legal requirements, step-by-step registration procedures, and critical deadlines specific to foreign teachers working under Vietnamese immigration law in 2025.
When Must You Register Your New Address?
You must complete temporary residence registration within 12 hours of arriving at your new address in urban areas (cities and districts) or 24 hours in remote/rural areas. This timeframe begins the moment you physically move in—not when you sign a lease or pay deposit.
Registration Timeline by Location Type
Urban Areas (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Provincial Cities):
- Deadline: 12 hours from arrival
- Covers: All wards (phường) within city administrative boundaries
- Example: Moving from Hai Ba Trung District to Dong Da District in Hanoi = 12-hour registration requirement
Remote/Rural Areas:
- Deadline: 24 hours from arrival
- Covers: Communes (xã) in rural districts, mountainous regions
- Less Common: Few teaching positions located in areas qualifying for 24-hour grace period
Timeline by Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: Moving Within Same City
- Hour 0: Move belongings to new apartment in different district
- Hour 0-12: Landlord submits Form NA17 to new ward police station
- Hour 12: Registration deadline (urban area)
- Note: Previous address registration automatically invalidates when new registration processes
Scenario 2: Transferring to Different Province
- Day 0: Arrive in new province, check into accommodation
- Hour 0-12: Complete temporary residence registration in new location
- Within 30 days: Notify Immigration Department if holding Temporary Residence Card
- Work Permit: Verify if amendment needed based on work location specification
Scenario 3: Domestic Travel During Holidays
- Hotels/Guesthouses: Automatic electronic registration—no action required
- Friend’s Private Residence: Friend must register you within 12/24 hours depending on location type
- Important: Each overnight location requires registration, even for vacation stays
CRITICAL: No grace period exists beyond these timeframes. While enforcement varies by ward, non-compliance creates immediate legal liability.
How to Register Address Change: Step-by-Step Methods
Registration occurs through two channels: (1) online via provincial immigration portals, or (2) in-person at ward police stations. Your landlord holds primary legal responsibility, but you must ensure completion with proper documentation.
Method 1: Online Registration (Fastest for Major Cities)
Step 1: Access Provincial Immigration Portal
Navigate to your province’s official website:
- Hanoi: hanoi.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Ho Chi Minh City: hochiminh.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Da Nang: danang.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Step 2: Landlord Creates Account
- Requires landlord’s Vietnamese ID number
- Landlord’s email address for confirmation
- Property documentation details
Step 3: Complete Form NA17 Online
Essential fields:
- Your full name exactly as in passport
- Passport number and expiration date
- Current visa type (LD work visa) or TRC number
- Complete address with ward, district, city
- Intended duration: Match your visa/TRC validity period (don’t underestimate)
Step 4: Upload Documents
- Passport bio-data page (JPEG/PDF, under 2MB)
- Current visa page or TRC scan
- Previous residence certificate if applicable
Step 5: Submit and Save Confirmation
- Screenshot confirmation number and date
- Print PDF certificate when system approves (typically 24-48 hours)
- CRITICAL: Keep digital and physical copies—required for all future immigration applications
Method 2: In-Person at Ward Police Station (Immediate Confirmation)
Prepare Document Package:
- 1 completed Form NA17 (download from immigration website or obtain at station)
- 1 photocopy passport bio-data page
- 1 photocopy current visa or TRC
- Original passport for verification
- Landlord’s Vietnamese ID and property documents
Visit Ward Police Station:
- Locate: Google Maps → “[Ward name] Police Station” or “Công an phường [name]”
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (lunch 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM)
- State: “Temporary residence registration for foreigner” (Đăng ký tạm trú cho người nước ngoài)
Receive Stamped Certificate:
- Duty officer stamps and signs Form NA17 immediately if documents complete
- This stamped form = your official registration certificate
- Make 2-3 photocopies at nearby shop
- Cost: FREE by law (ward police cannot charge fees)
Required Documents for Address Registration
Landlord submits Form NA17 with your passport, valid visa/TRC, and optionally previous residence certificate. Ensure accuracy before submission to prevent delays.
Documents You Provide to Landlord
1. Valid Passport
- Minimum 6 months validity remaining
- Clear photocopy of bio-data page
- Original available for verification
2. Current Work Visa or Temporary Residence Card
- LD visa stamp in passport (for work visa holders)
- TRC card (for Temporary Residence Card holders)
- Must not be expired—cannot register with expired authorization
3. Previous Residence Certificate (if not first address in Vietnam)
- Shows continuous legal residence chain
- Some wards require this to prevent duplicate registrations
4. Work Permit (recommended but not mandatory)
- Helps establish legal employment status
- Useful if ward police question purpose of stay
Documents Landlord Provides
1. Property Documentation
- House ownership certificate or apartment lease
- Proves legal right to property
2. Landlord’s Vietnamese ID
- National ID card or passport
- Contact information for follow-up
3. Completed Form NA17
- All fields accurately filled
- Critical Field: “Intended Duration” should match your actual stay period (visa/TRC validity)
What Are the Penalties for Late or Missing Registration?
Fines range from 500,000 VND for minor delays to 20,000,000 VND for extended non-compliance, with additional consequences including work permit suspension and deportation risk. Understanding penalty structure helps prioritize registration urgency.
Fine Structure by Delay Duration
According to Decree No. 144/2021/NĐ-CP, Article 8:
| Delay Period | Fine Amount (VND) | Fine Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 16 days | 500,000 – 2,000,000 | $22 – $88 |
| 16-30 days | 3,000,000 – 5,000,000 | $133 – $221 |
| 30-60 days | 5,000,000 – 10,000,000 | $221 – $441 |
| 60-90 days | 10,000,000 – 15,000,000 | $441 – $661 |
| 90+ days | 15,000,000 – 20,000,000 | $661 – $885 |
Additional Penalties:
- Landlords: 100,000 – 300,000 VND for individuals failing to register foreign tenants
- Employers: 15,000,000 – 25,000,000 VND if foreign employee found unregistered during compliance checks
Beyond Fines: Career Impact
Work Permit Complications:
- Immigration random checks discovering unregistered addresses trigger employer violations
- Work permit suspension pending registration rectification
- Employer reluctance to sponsor future renewals due to compliance violations
Temporary Residence Card Denial:
- TRC applications require continuous residence registration throughout stay
- Missing/outdated registration = automatic application rejection
- No refund of $145-$155 USD application fee after rejection
Visa Extension Rejection:
- Work visa extensions require current registration certificate
- Officers reject applications with missing/expired registration
- Forces expensive exit/re-entry or overstay penalties while resolving
Deportation Risk:
- Decree 144/2021/NĐ-CP, Article 18 permits deportation for repeated registration violations
- Creates 1-5 year entry ban to Vietnam
- Permanent record in immigration database affecting future applications
Top 3 Critical Mistakes Teachers Must Avoid
The most common registration errors stem from assuming automatic compliance or misunderstanding timeframes—proactive verification prevents 90% of issues.
Mistake 1: Assuming Landlord “Handled It” Without Verification
The Problem: Teacher trusts landlord’s verbal assurance without confirming registration completion.
Why It Happens: Landlords unfamiliar with online systems procrastinate; avoid registration to prevent tax records; language barriers prevent follow-up.
How to Avoid:
- Within 12 hours: “Please show me the registration confirmation number or stamped certificate”
- Call ward police (provide passport number): “Has my temporary residence registration been processed?”
- Offer to assist with online submission using landlord’s credentials
- If landlord refuses: Find new accommodation—work permit depends on compliance
Mistake 2: Indicating Wrong Stay Duration on Form NA17
The Problem: Form shows “30 days” intended stay but teacher has 1-year work contract; creates complications when exceeding stated duration.
Why It Happens: Landlord arbitrarily selects short period; teacher doesn’t review form before submission.
Correct Approach:
- Match “Intended Duration” to visa/TRC validity (typically 1 year for work visa, up to 5 years for TRC)
- Review Form NA17 carefully before landlord submits
- “Expected Departure Date” = visa expiration or contract end date
How to Avoid: Always review completed Form NA17 before submission; request corrections if duration doesn’t match actual plans.
Mistake 3: Losing Registration Certificate
The Problem: Teacher receives stamped Form NA17 but misplaces before work permit renewal; must restart entire registration.
Consequences:
- Cannot proceed with work permit renewal applications
- TRC applications automatically rejected
- Immigration officers can fine you during random checks for not presenting certificate
How to Avoid:
- Immediately: Make 3 photocopies of stamped Form NA17
- Storage: Original in secure folder with passport; 1 copy in daily wallet
- Digital Backup: Scan/photograph; store in cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Replacement: Return to ward police with supporting documents if lost
Do You Need to Update Work Permit or TRC When Moving?
Your work permit and TRC don’t automatically update with address changes, but you must maintain current temporary residence registration for renewals and extensions. Understanding when formal amendments are necessary prevents application rejections.
Work Permit Address Considerations
Address on Work Permit:
- Work permits show employer address and work location (province or “Vietnam”)
- Your residential address does NOT appear on work permit card
- However, DOLISA maintains your declared address in application file
When Amendments Are Required:
Same City, Same Employer: No work permit amendment needed
- Action: Update temporary residence registration within 12 hours
- Renewal: Provide current registration certificate when renewing work permit
Different City, Same Employer: Depends on work permit specification
- If work permit states “Vietnam”: No amendment needed; just register at new address
- If work permit states specific province: Employer must submit work permit amendment application
Different Employer: New work permit application required regardless of address
Temporary Residence Card Updates
For Moves Within Same Province:
- Complete temporary residence registration at new ward police station
- TRC remains valid; registration automatically updates immigration database
For Moves to Different Province:
- Complete temporary residence registration in new province within 12 hours
- Visit new provincial Immigration Department within 30 days
- Bring: TRC, passport, new registration certificate, proof of employment in new location
- Officer updates database; TRC card remains valid until renewal
For TRC Renewal Applications:
- Provide current temporary residence registration certificate (dated within 30-60 days)
- Immigration office verifies continuous registration throughout TRC validity period
Where to Get Help: Immigration Office Contacts
Provincial Immigration Departments handle TRC and visa extensions; ward police stations process daily address registration. Contact the appropriate office based on your specific need.
Major City Immigration Departments
Ho Chi Minh City
- Address: 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Ward 6, District 3
- Phone: +84 28 3520 4200
- Hours: Mon-Fri, 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Services: TRC issuance/renewal, visa extensions
Hanoi
- Address: 40 Hang Bai St., Hoan Kiem District
- Phone: +84 24 3942 3054
- Portal: hanoi.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Da Nang
- Address: No. 7 Tran Quy Cap St., Hai Chau District
- Phone: +84 236 3821 999
- Portal: danang.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Hours: Mon-Fri, 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
When to Contact Which Office
Ward Police Station For:
- Daily temporary residence registration (new address)
- Replacement of lost certificates
- Landlord compliance complaints
Provincial Immigration Department For:
- TRC applications and renewals
- Visa extensions
- Cross-province move notifications (TRC holders)
- Appeals of rejected applications
Employer HR Department For:
- Work permit applications, renewals, amendments
- Coordinating immigration status with employment
- Translation assistance for documents
Understanding the complete legal framework helps teachers navigate situations like recovering from work permit rejections and making informed decisions about contract types that affect long-term residency.
Accurate address registration isn’t bureaucratic formality—it’s legal protection for your work authorization and teaching career in Vietnam. The 12-hour urban or 24-hour rural timeframe demands immediate action, but compliance is straightforward when you understand the process.
Essential Actions for Every Move:
- Within 12 Hours: Verify landlord completes registration; obtain stamped certificate
- Immediate Backup: Make 3 copies and digital scan of registration certificate
- Employer Notification: Inform HR department for employment record updates
- Before Renewals: Confirm current registration dated within 30 days of any immigration application
Teachers who treat address registration as routine responsibility—not optional paperwork—maintain seamless work authorization and avoid complications that disrupt careers and income stability in Vietnam.
Explore More Essential Legal Guidance for Teachers
Understanding your complete legal rights and obligations in Vietnam ensures career security and compliance. For comprehensive insights on work permits, contracts, visa extensions, and tax requirements, visit our dedicated LEGAL & VISA REQUIREMENTS resource center.
